Saturday, February 22, 2014

Pole Vaulters

Mrs ERJ and I were in the bleachers watching the athletes warm up before the competition.

I turned to Mrs ERJ and asked, "Do you mind if I make a special request?"

"Go ahead." she said, eyes still watching the athletes.

"If it turns out that reincarnation is true, and it is not too much trouble, would you consider coming back as a pole vaulter?"

One runs a risk anytime one suggests that one's spouse might be anything less than the absolute pinnacle of evolution.

Having watched many young athletes I must confess to having a soft spot for pole vaulters. Every part of their body is braided steel. From the tips of their fingers to the tips of their toes there is no frivolity, no jovial bounce. Every fiber is focus, purpose and explosive potential. There is no part of their body that is developed at the expense of another part of their body. Pole vaulters are a balanced package: Physically, probably what God had in mind when He created us.

After a heartbeat or two she answered "On one condition."

"What is that?" I asked.

She slowly (reluctantly?) peeled her eyes off the floor and faced me. Looking me in the eye, she said, "As long as you come back as one too."

One runs a risk anytime one suggests that one's spouse might be anything less than the absolute pinnacle of evolution. It is not always the risk one expected.